Fireside Chat with Secretary Braithwaite | Live at Sea-Air-Space 2026

The Center for Maritime Strategy hosts a fireside chat with The Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, 77th Secretary of the Navy and former Ambassador to Norway, and Admiral James Foggo, USN (Ret.), Dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy. The discussion will explore leadership, strategy, and the future of U.S. maritime power, with reflections on national security decision-making and the challenges facing the Navy and broader maritime enterprise.Season 5 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Johnson Group Defense.

In this episode of Maritime Nation, we debut the February 2026 report “Ports of Power: China’s Growing Maritime Network of Ports, Bases, and Dual-use Facilities” by Congressman Mark Kennedy and Lea Thome. Join us as we explore how China is expanding its global maritime presence through ports, bases, and dual-use facilities, reshaping strategic competition and the future of global trade and security. Season 5 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Johnson Group Defense.

In this episode Admiral Foggo and Dr. Steve Wills sits down with the Honorable Stephen Carmel for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of U.S. maritime policy, shipbuilding, and national security. Drawing on decades of industry and policy experience, Carmel discusses lessons from history, the evolving role of the Maritime Administration, and the strategic challenges facing the U.S. merchant fleet.Season 5 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Johnson Group Defense.

In this inaugural Season 5 episode of Maritime Nation, Admiral Foggo moderates a deep dive into the Jones Act and its central role in U.S. national security, economic sovereignty, and control of America’s waterways. Joined by subject matter experts Sara Fuentes and Jennifer Carpenter, the discussion moves beyond the familiar trade debate to examine the Jones Act as strategic infrastructure. Season 5 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Johnson Group Defense.

This week, Admiral James G. Foggo (ret.) speaks with five authors of the The Navy League of the United States’ Maritime Policy statement, to discuss what the document calls for and the importance of continued American maritime dominance. You can read the Navy League's Maritime Policy Statement here: https://info.navyleague.org/maritime-policy-statement-2025-2026The three in-person guests: RADM Sinclair "Sinc" Harris, USN RetiredChuck WerchadoCAPT Scott Sundt, USN RetiredThe two remote guests:Jon KaskinCOL Christian Cabaniss, USMC RetiredSeason 4 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Dataminr.

Admiral James G. Foggo (ret.) sits down with Toshi Yoshihara, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment, to discuss the PLAN and China’s maritime strategy.Season 4 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Dataminr.

Dr. Steve Wills talks with former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman on his family’s naval service and his time in the Ford and Reagan administrations for the 250th anniversary of the Navy's founding. Season 4 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Dataminr.

Admiral James G. Foggo (ret.) sits down with Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, to examine his new book—Naval Power in Action: Seizing the Initiative in the New Cold War with China.Season 4 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Dataminr.

In this episode of Maritime Nation, Admiral Foggo sits down with Dr. Brad Martin to examine whether America’s current fleet composition aligns with future conflict scenarios and all the factors shaping tomorrow’s Navy. Season 4 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Dataminr.

In this episode of Maritime Nation, Admiral Foggo sits down with Dr. Brad Martin to examine whether America’s current fleet composition aligns with future conflict scenarios and all the factors shaping tomorrow’s Navy.Season 4 of Maritime Nation is produced in partnership with Dataminr.